MORECAMBE 0-2 CARLISLE UTD

Shrimps' boss Jim Bentley made seven changes to the side that drew 0-0 at Cambridge at the weekend with several youngsters given the chance to shine and although the football was good at time Carlisle's experience proved too much for the Shrimps.

The Cumbrians were helped with a gift of a goal after just 34 seconds when the Shrimps failed to clear their lines and Hallam Hope was perfectly placed to volley past Dan Nizic from eight yards out.

From there Carlisle enjoyed most of the early pressure with former Shrimp Jamie Devitt seeing a shot well blocked and James Brown clipping an effort over the bar from the edge of the box.

Morecambe then enjoyed a period on top with Adam Campbell volleying straight at Shamal George from six yards out before Kevin Ellison wasted a glorious chance when played in on goal by Adam Campbell but the veteran made a mess of his final shot and blazed over the bar.

Ellison was made to pay when the Cumbrians scored the scruffiest of second goals on the stroke of half time. The ball went into the Morecambe defence and with Dan Nizic seemingly impeded by Shaun Miller as he tried to clear Jason Kennedy turned the ball into the empty net from close range.

Carlisle started the second half on top and caused Morecambe problems. Hope and Jamie Devitt scuffed shots wide when they had good chances before the latter hit the post with a superb effort from the edge of the Morecambe box with Nizic well beaten.

After being on the back foot the Shrimps began to cause problems of their own with substitute Garry Thompson looking set to pull one back after beating the Carlisle keeper to a long clearance only to see Mark Ellis produce a superb last ditch clearance.

As the Shrimps pushed forward they left gaps at the back and Carlisle should have added a third when Samir Nabi was put through on goal but chipped his effort inches wide of the right hand post.

Morecambe ended the game on the front foot with Deakin and Osborne showing some good touches but the Shrimps failed to score fore the third game running despite some threatening moments.